I wish there were adequate words.
I wish that I could tell you what it feels like to be a part of the biggest day, the hugest moment in someone else's life.

and that someone else being some of your closest and dearest friends. oh, the joy is immeasurable and insurmountable.

I had been deeply looking forward to this day for nine whole months (probably more, basically all eighteen years of my life, let's be real) ... and goodness gracious, that first moment took my breath away.

that first moment that I saw nora.

bundled and pink, with a raspy rhythmic wail, and the squishiest cheeks that were just begging to be kissed. the whole world quieted. all that mattered in the whole universe was her, just her. I couldn’t even bring myself to pick up my camera because I just wanted to see her - every inch of her - and breathe in her wholeness.

because holy moly me oh my was she beautiful. with sunken eyes like her sister and a mouth like her brother. with peach fuzz and wrinkly toes, and the cutest polka-dotted nose.

everything was spinny and all I felt was love. an enormous, rapturous, overwhelming love.

she was here, tiny and beautiful and healthy and safe and sound - here.

beating and breathing.

here.

this baby girl is already teaching me invaluable lessons about what it means to love someone well and I am thankful. overwhelmingly thankful.

nora marie, you are doing crazy things to my heart and I love you so much.